Well this summer, Jasper’s own WYYZ 1490 AM is bringing the nation’s largest and longest running country music talent search to town, and they are on the hunt for contestants.

“This is going to be a really great thing for the community,” said WYYZ Production Manger Matt Youngblood. “The closest radio station hosting the event is in Cedartown, so we will have contestants from all over north and northwest Georgia competing here in Jasper, and hopefully they will bring their families and spend some time in Jasper. ”

The showdown welcomes all vocal and instrumental performers, individuals or groups of up to seven to compete, but all contestants must begin the competition by performing at local showdowns produced by participating country music radio stations like WYYZ.

The winner from the local level will advance to state, with the chance to move up to regional, and possibly all the way to the nationally-televised competition held in early 2013, which has been hosted by LeAnn Rimes for the past five years.

“I’ve already had some people from Chattanooga call to see if they can compete with us,” Youngblood said. “It’s an exciting opportunity for performers in the area.”

The final talent show will be held at Rocco’s in Jasper on June 23, 2012, where a panel of area judges will select the winner. Prizes will also be awarded during the local competition.

Youngblood said depending on how many entries are received, preliminaries for the event could begin as early as this month.

Deadline for entries is May 15. If you would like to compete, pick up your entry form at Rocco’s Pub, Satellite Activations, The UPS Store or WYYZ, all in Jasper.

A $20.00 entry fee is required of all acts entering the Texaco Country Showdown competitions.

For more information about the contest you can call 706-692-4100, or visit www.wyyzradio.com or www.countryshowdown.com.